Consumer Tips

900 Telephone Calls

Private companies offer a variety of informational programs using phone numbers that begin with “900.” These numbers are costly and you can be held responsible for these calls if they appear on your bill. Calls charging one dollar or more must contain an introductory disclosure message specifying types of charges, time necessary to complete the call, and an option to disconnect without charge at the end of the introductory message.

3 Rivers will assist you in placing a “900” block on your telephone line at no cost. Please call our business office for more information.

Unwanted Telemarketing Calls

Many telemarketers use computer-generated calls to reach you. This sometimes results in “phantom rings,” which causes your phone to ring, yet you find no one at the other end of the line when you answer. To disconnect a computer generated call, simply hang up your phone for 12-15 seconds.

Or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY - 1-866-290-4236) to register your telephone or cell phone number on the national Do-Not-Call Registry. (You must call from the telephone or cell phone number you wish to register.) You may also register or obtain additional information via the Internet at www.donotcall.gov.

Never give out your credit card numbers or other personal information to someone who calls and asks for them. Report companies using questionable telemarketing practices to the State Attorney General or the Better Business Bureau.

Billing Name and Address Disclosure

When you place a calling card call, or accept a collect call or third-number billed call, your local telephone company is required to provide your billing name and address to the telecommunications service provider that handled the call if that provider requests. Your local telephone company will continue to provide billing name and address information to telecommunication service providers for other account matters, such as customer service, servicing your account, to prevent fraud or when you move from one location to another.

Customer Proprietary Network Information

New rules have been put in place by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) governing Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI). CPNI is all of the information associated with your telecommunications service, including your calling charges, the optional services you subscribe to, usage data and calling patterns. In short, it is YOUR private information about the services YOU receive from 3 Rivers.

The FCC requires that 3 Rivers customers use a password when accessing personal account information, specific to long distance. These rules are designed to safeguard your information from ‘pretexters’, people who impersonate you in an effort to gain access to your account information—your CPNI.

Please fill out and return the Account Access Authorization/Password form. By establishing a password and security questions now, you will minimize potential future delays and frustration.You can also use this form to authorize other individuals to make inquiries or changes to your account.Access will not be granted until the signed form is received by 3 Rivers.This will assure everyone is working together to protect the security of your account.